Pain in Juvenile Arthritis

Conditions

• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Eligibility Criteria

Sex

ALL

Age

9 Years - 17 Years

Healthy Volunteers

Accepted

Interventions

• Pressure pain thresholds (measured in kilopascal) — BEHAVIORAL
  Pressure will be increased continually and participants will be instructed to press a button the first moment they feel pain from the pressure stimulus. The first threshold measurement will be used as a familiarization. The average threshold is calculated from three measurements. Higher value indicates lower experimental pain sensitivity
• Cold pain tolerance (duration in seconds) — BEHAVIORAL
  Cold pain tolerance will be assessed by having participants immerse their hand or foot in a cold (4-12°C) water bath. Tolerance will be defined by the time of hand withdrawal. Pain ratings of cold pain intensity might be obtained periodically, and both pain intensity and pain unpleasantness will be recorded upon hand/foot withdrawal. Higher value indicates lower experimental pain sensitivity

Study Details

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatologic disease in children. The main symptoms of JIA, which are often the primary focus of treatment, include joint swelling, stiffness, and tenderness. Additional symptoms can include malaise, fatigue, and pain. However, the exact mechanisms contributing to pain are not yet fully understood. Participants will complete a 2.5-hours study session. In the study session, psychophysical assessments of thermal and pressure stimuli will be performed. In addition, demographic, social, pubertal maturation, and behavioral and psychological factors will be collected via questionnaires. A saliva sample and/or blood draw may occur for the analysis of various immune factors and sex hormones. If a joint aspiration is done as part of their standard of care, we will request a sample of the synovial fluid for analyses of immune, hormonal and/or genetic factors. Participants will have the option to participate in additional optional follow-up study visits (every 3 months, up to 1 year) and to complete monthly surveys asking about their juvenile arthritis.

Key Dates

Start date

Sep 15, 2025

Status verified

Oct 2025

Primary completion

Sep 30, 2030

Completion

Sep 30, 2035

Study Design

Enrollment

140 participants (estimated)

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Intervention model

PARALLEL

Primary purpose

OTHER

Arms

• Other: JIA
  Inclusion: 1. Age between 9-17 2. Males and females 3. English speakers 4. Able to complete surveys and understand study instructions 5. Diagnosed or suspected of juvenile arthritis Exclusion Criteria Participants will not be enrolled if any of the following criteria exist and based on the investigator discretion: 1. Pregnancy or breastfeeding 2. (Control Group) Diagnosed with a chronic pain condition 3. (Control Group) Diagnosed with psychiatric condition including ADHD, anxiety, depression, etc.
• Other: Controls
  Inclusion: 1. Age between 9-17 2. Males and females 3. English speakers 4. Able to complete surveys and understand study instructions 5. Healthy Exclusion Criteria Participants will not be enrolled if any of the following criteria exist and based on the investigator discretion: 1. Pregnancy or breastfeeding 2. (Control Group) Diagnosed with a chronic pain condition 3. (Control Group) Diagnosed with psychiatric condition including ADHD, anxiety, depression, etc.

Primary Outcome Measure

Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) (measured in kilopascal) [ Time Frame: 1 year ]

Central Contacts

• Alana McMichael, MA
  314-273-6194
  [email protected]

Locations (1)

Find similar trials in St Louis, MO

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